I really appreciate all the thoughts and opinions below regarding the beams. Hubs is really thrilled that everyone felt the way he felt- just a beam at the seams! I'll be so glad when they're up...I'm anxious to see how they look:)

After we are fininished with the ceiling in the kitchen, we'll start working on the lighting. Once again, I find myself questioning my previous decisions. Last year, I really liked the idea of having recessed lighting to fill in the dark spots in our kitchen and dining area, but I'm wondering if recessed lighting would take away from the cottage/country style I'm trying to create. Would it "clutter" up the look of new plank ceiling? Ack...too many things to think about!

I'm posting a mock-up of my original lighting design. The lighting you see above the island, sink and dining area have just been digitally "installed", lol.

Each proposed recessed lighting location is marked with a letter. I especially wanted lighting above the french door area (A) and the two locations in the dining area (D and E). Then I thought that the "L" corner of the kitchen (B) would need some light. To make things nice and symmetrical, I proposed putting one on the left side of the sink (C) as well. What are your thoughts? Does recessed lighting belong in this cottage kitchen? If so, should I remove any from my plan? Thanks again, you all. After we cut holes in the ceiling, there is no going back!

Also, just a note to add that I've upgraded to Blogger Beta, which gives me the ability to easily add categories to each entry. It will take me a while to go back and add labels to all my previous entries, but hopefully I'll get them all done.

2008 UPDATE: We decided to go with recessed lighting after all and are thrilled with the results. To see photos, see updated kitchen photos here.

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comments:

When we did our kitchen renovation we had the same decision to make and we ulimately decided no recessed lighting. And honestly I think the reason was that we ran out of steam! We have 2 pendants over the island, one over the sink and lots of under cabinet lighting and it seems to do the trick. I love my pendant lights! By the way, I have loved reading your blog and the others of all these creative women out there and it inspired me to try my own so I hope you get a chance to check it out. It's in it's infancy. You and I would probably be great friends if we were close in proximity because I LOVE all your colors and household finds, although I'd probably be competing with you for the same thing at a yard sale!

When we did our kitchen renovation we had the same decision to make and we ulimately decided no recessed lighting. And honestly I think the reason was that we ran out of steam! We have 2 pendants over the island, one over the sink and lots of under cabinet lighting and it seems to do the trick. I love my pendant lights! By the way, I have loved reading your blog and the others of all these creative women out there and it inspired me to try my own so I hope you get a chance to check it out. It's in it's infancy. You and I would probably be great friends if we were close in proximity because I LOVE all your colors and household finds, although I'd probably be competing with you for the same thing at a yard sale!

We put recessed lighting in our 1920's kitchen kitchen and love it - They really don't draw much attention to themselves but provide good lighting. Your existing fixtures are so pretty that you want anything to complete with them.

I think any recessed lighting you put up is a great accent to any room. I had them in one kitchen and they added so much to the lighting, making it brighter if I needed it (especially above the cabinets) or if I wanted a dim look, I just had the recessed lighting on and nothing else.

fdtcThis is always a tough call for anybody interested in a period look. But the fact is recessed lights do an important job and do it very well. I think your hanging fixtures will provide great task lighting, but will leave you wishing for more overall lighting. Especially in those dark countertop corners. The way that we approached our lighting design was to plan the cans so that they provide total illumination and then put them on dimmers so that they don't always have to be "full on." You may also want to split them into separate groups with their own switches so that you have some options.

I don't really like the "idea" of recessed fixtures in a period room, but I sure like the application. And I think that once everything is installed your hanging fixtures will steal the show, leaving the cans pretty much invisible. But you'll probably be glad you have them.

I think that, as long as your trim was about the same color as your ceiling, that the recessed lights would blend in and you wouldn't even notice them. They would simply provide the light that you require and not detract from your theme. I have recessed lights in some places and I love them. I recommend the 4" housings because they blend in a little better, although they do not give off quite as much light as the 6" housings. You may need to adjust your lighting plan if you go this way. I can't remember- do you have undercabinet task lights? I don't know how I ever lived without mine, and they're a cinch to install.

A friend of mine has a french cottage kitchen with recessed lights and it looks wonderful. The lights don't detract in the slightest. In fact, they give the kitchen a very cozy feel. Maybe it's where she placed them but I was really impressed with them in her cottage kitchen. I'm sure whatever you decide, it'll look fantastic. Just like everything you've done so far. :)

Hey Kim, Well I have to admit I am a purist at heart. If it were me, I would opt out. Now my husband is a different story. He loves old houses, but also modern technology. Think automated lighting in a colonial home...if it were left up to him lol! Your kitchen is coming along great!We are finishing up ours and its up for sale right now. =)Well have fun and look forward to knowing what you decide! Always decisions! hehe.

Hey Kim, Well I have to admit I am a purist at heart. If it were me, I would opt out. Now my husband is a different story. He loves old houses, but also modern technology. Think automated lighting in a colonial home...if it were left up to him lol! Your kitchen is coming along great!We are finishing up ours and its up for sale right now. =)Well have fun and look forward to knowing what you decide! Always decisions! hehe.